Chapter 17: Taking Off the Imperial Robe, Who Is the Number One Beauty in the World?
“Although the current fate of Great Zhou is limited, Ye Ning is a loyal subject, and I am willing to sacrifice for a loyal subject. Furthermore, if it weren’t for him today, the Seventh Kingdom might really have emerged under the pressure of the sect. By then, the loss of national luck would only be greater…” Ji Mingyue showed no signs of pity. His considerations were mainly for Ye Ning’s safety.
“However, the Holy Court has been empty for too long. Once a sacred place for Confucianism, it has now become a dead land. No one knows what will happen inside.” Liu Shen shook his head.
“Most adventures don’t know the outcome beforehand. People cannot stop exploring because of the unknown. Your Majesty has high expectations for Ye Ning, as do I. We must not let him become a hothouse flower due to high expectations. Without experiencing trials, how can he become a great figure?” Ji Mingyue nodded in agreement.
“That’s the point,” he was completely convinced.
It’s a chaotic world.
In chaotic times, there wasn’t much time for growth. Those who could achieve great things are those who turn difficulties into nutrients. Only through continuous tempering could one lead in turbulent times.
“When do you think it’s appropriate to send Ye Ning into the Holy Court?” Ji Mingyue asked.
“There’s no need to hurry. According to the spy in the Feather Transformation Sect, they’ll be busy celebrating the ancestor’s birthday for a while. All disciples and elders have returned to the sect. Before the celebration ends, they won’t have time to deal with Ye Ning.” Liu Shen stroked his beard and said, “So, we still have plenty of time. I want to take advantage of this time to test Ye Ning.”
Ji Mingyue was stunned. “Does Councilor Liu think Ye Ning is unreliable?”
His brows furrowed slowly.
In his opinion, what else could Ye Ning be tested for? His performance today in the Golden Liang Palace had already said it all.
“It’s not that he’s unreliable, but he’s too young,” Liu Shen said rationally.
“Young people have too much hot blood and lack of sediment. In my life, I have seen countless people. When they were young, they were like Ye Ning, upright and fearless of death. But gradually, they all changed, becoming mundane and cowardly.
“It’s not their fault. People live a lifetime and naturally experience various temptations.
“Ye Ning’s performance today proves his bravery and righteousness, but it doesn’t prove whether he can resist temptation.”
Liu Shen was astute. He understood human nature very well.
Human nature was full of weaknesses. Some people might not fear death, but it didn’t mean they could resist temptation. No matter how strong one’s will was, under the bombardment of sweet words and flattery, it’s possible to be destroyed.
Ji Mingyue was also very young. When it came to considering human nature, he was completely inferior to Liu Shen. But he could accept advice and immediately approved Liu Shen’s proposal.
“How does Councilor Liu plan to tempt him?” Ji Mingyue asked.
Liu Shen smiled and said, “During the gathering in the Golden Liang Palace, King Wei tried to recruit him but was rejected by Ye Ning. This shows that he isn’t greedy for power or wealth. So, there’s only one place to test him.”
Ji Mingyue blinked, puzzled. “Where?”
Liu Shen chuckled. “The beauty trap!”
Ji Mingyue was completely caught off guard by this statement, coughing twice in surprise, a blush creeping onto his cheeks.
But there was some distance between them, and Liu Shen didn’t notice.
“Liu Xiang actually wants to use the beauty trap for testing…” Ji Mingyue felt a bit ashamed in his heart, but more curious.
“Is it feasible?” Liu Shen showed a smile that every man understood.
But Ji Mingyue didn’t understand.
Helplessly, Liu Shen explained, “Heroes struggle against the beauty’s wiles, the gentle town is the hero’s tomb. Some men, heroes in their lifetime, are ruined by women. So, Your Majesty, don’t think the beauty trap is simple. For men, this may be the most difficult test…”
As he said this, he was a bit puzzled.
Why didn’t His Majesty understand anything about men and women?
“I see.” Ji Mingyue seemed to understand but not quite.
“Please invite Miss Xiao to do it in person,” Liu Shen said.
“Let Xiao Qianqian go personally? But she is a cultivator!” Ji Mingyue showed surprise.
“Ye Ning’s temperament is extraordinary. Ordinary fawning women can’t catch his eye. Miss Xiao is not only a high-level cultivator but also a stunning beauty. With all due respect, Miss Xiao’s beauty is second to none in the world. If Ye Ning can resist this temptation, then he can shoulder great responsibilities. If he can’t resist, then there’s no need to enter the Holy Court. He definitely won’t be able to pass too many levels.”
“Your Majesty cares for talents, which I understand, but Your Majesty must remember your mission… don’t be soft-hearted!” Liu Shen spoke earnestly.
“We’ll go with Councilor Liu’s plan,” Ji Mingyue nodded solemnly.
The matter he and Liu Shen were planning involved the future of Great Zhou. If it failed, who knew how many heads would roll. So, they had to be cautious.
“Ye Ning, don’t blame us…” Ji Mingyue said in his heart.
With the matter settled, Liu Shen left.
Ji Mingyue returned to the palace and dismissed all the palace maids. He took off the heavy imperial robe, leaving only a light moon-white garment, standing in front of the bronze mirror.
Out of the shadows emerged a middle-aged woman wearing a mask.
Her hand reached out and removed the jade pendant hanging around Ji Mingyue’s neck.
The moment the jade pendant was removed, Ji Mingyue’s appearance immediately changed.
The features remained the same, but the originally neutral look became softer and more feminine after the jade pendant was removed. In simple terms, he suddenly became more feminine.
Snow-white skin, slender figure, slender waist, and those towering soft peaks…
The green silk scattered.
In the mirror appeared an unparalleled beauty.
“Councilor Liu’s words just now were wrong. Xiao Qianqian is not the number one beauty in the world, Your Majesty is,” The middle-aged woman said in a hoarse tone.
Ji Mingyue didn’t respond.
She stared blankly at herself in the mirror.
Only in the dead of night could she be a woman for a while.
Just for a while.
The late emperor had no sons, only one daughter.
For the sake of Great Zhou’s inheritance, the news had to be concealed, and the princess had to be turned into a prince.
Even with a prince on the throne, the world was still in turmoil.
If the world knew that the one sitting on the dragon throne was an unprecedented female emperor, the consequences would be unimaginable.
So, Ji Mingyue had no choice.
The middle-aged woman looked at Ji Mingyue, who was lost in thought, and sighed in her heart.
She murmured, “Your Majesty is so beautiful, but can only admire herself. I wonder which man in the world will have the privilege of seeing you?”